Urosepsis

What is urosepsis?

Sepsis is a life-threatening bacterial infection of the blood; urosepsis
is sepsis that complicates a urinary tract infection. Urosepsis
requires treatment with antibiotics and may require supportive therapies
such as intravenous fluids and oxygen. If undiagnosed or untreated,
urosepsis can progress to septic shock, a serious and life-threatening
condition complicated by dropping blood pressure, rapid heart and
breathing rates, decreasing urine output, and alterations in mental
status.

Learn More About Urosepsis

The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The kidneys filter the blood, creating urine, which travels through the ureters to the bladder, where it is stored until it exits the body through the urethra. In the male, the prostate wraps around the urethra as it travels from the bladder to the penis. Most of the time, bacteria that cause urosepsis enter the body through the urethra and make their way to the prostate or kidney before entering the bloodstream.

Symptoms of uncomplicated urinary tract infections can include burning with urination, the need to go to the bathroom frequently or urgently, cloudy urine, and pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort. Fever may be present. If pyelonephritis (kidney infection) is present, back or abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, high fever, shaking chills, night sweats, and fatigue may also occur. Any of these symptoms may precede the development of urosepsis.

Urosepsis is more common in women than in men, and is more likely to occur in the elderly or people who have weakened immune systems or conditions such as diabetes. Obstruction of the flow of urine by an enlarged prostate, kidney or bladder stones, tumors, or urethral scarring increases the risk of urosepsis, as does any condition that interferes with bladder emptying. Instrumentation of the urinary tract during surgeries, procedures, or catheterization increases the risk of infections that can lead to urosepsis.

Urosepsis is a life-threatening emergency. Seek immediatemedical care(call 911) if you have symptoms of sepsis such as high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit), rapid breathing, fast heart rate, weak pulse, profuse sweating, unusual anxiety, changes in mental status or level of consciousness, or decreased or absent urinary output.

Seek prompt medical care

if you have symptoms suggestive of a urinary tract infection without symptoms of sepsis.

What are the symptoms of urosepsis?

Urosepsis shares many of the same symptoms as other types of sepsis, including rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, weak pulse, profuse sweating, unusual anxiety, changes in mental status or level of consciousness, and decreased or absent urinary output. Prior to the development of these symptoms, you may experience symptom...
Read more about urosepsissymptoms

What causes urosepsis?

Urosepsis is caused by a bacterial infection of the urinary tract or prostate that spreads into the bloodstream. Even if you are in general good health, many of the bacteria that cause urosepsis can normally occur in your intestines.

What are the risk factors for urosepsis?

How is urosepsis treated?

The primary treatment for urosepsis is the use of antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Your treatment may also include supportive measures such as intravenous fluids, and oxygen therapy may be used. If your case is severe, medications may be used to increase your blood pressure and mechanical ventilation may be required.